Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia
to the UN Office at Geneva
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CH-1205 Geneva

Tel: + 41 22 3201100
Fax: + 41 22 3206148

PRESS RELEASE

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
on presidental elections in Nagorno Karabakh

July 21, 2007

We welcome the presidential elections held in Nagorno Karabakh on July 19. Nearly 80% of the people of Nagorno Karabakh participated in these elections. These elections are the most recent in some dozen presidential, parliamentary, and local election polls, as well as a constitutional referendum, held since 1991.

This is just one expression of the commitment the people of Nagorno Karabakh have made to democracy and rule of law. Legitimately elected authorities have succeeded in securing the safety and stability of that region even in the absence of a permanent settlement.

Various OSCE and other international documents clearly indicate that not only should Nagorno Karabakh be a party to settlement negotiations, but that their elected authorities should represent them.

To dismiss these or any elections is disingenuous and simply contrary to modern political values. Further, rejection cannot be understood given the fact that in other areas of the world, in places where final political status and settlement are also absent, such elections are indeed supported, promoted, observed and encouraged.

The people of Nagorno Karabakh remain committed to resolving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict through negotiations to reach a peaceful, lasting settlement.

Unlike in other conflicts, in Karabakh, the population has always had to ensure its own security without the help of the international community. In the same way, they have also succeeded in securing their own democratic processes and domestic stability.